The potential series centers on a retired CIA operative who is now a writer and professor. Of course, his old life comes calling when the New York Police Department can’t catch a serial killer and enlists his help. The source material is slated for release in June 2017.

The pilot’s EPs also include Michael Rauch (Royal Pains), Patterson, Alex Kurtzman (Fringe and Heather Kadin (Scorpion). If the series is picked up, it will be Cumming’s first TV role since The Good Wife ended its seven-season run earlier this year. Dr. Death also would be the second Patterson-based drama currently at the network. (Zoo is the first.)